Tom Nelson, 83, of Farmington Hills, and his wife Linda Karle-Nelson, 72, before their protest in front of the Archdiocese of Detroit chancery building in April.

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Pope Francis' new comments Thursday astounded Detroit Catholic activists across the ideological spectrum - from anti-abortion activists to supporters of gay marriage - for their blunt, conversational tone and insights.

Linda Karle-Nelson and Tom Nelson, who run a Catholic support group for families with gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual relatives, were elated Thursday when the pope signaled he wanted to change the church's emphasis on opposing gay marriage, contraception and abortion.

The pope, in a published interview, said the Catholic church had become "obsessed" with ...